FAQ's

The ceremony is Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. The doors for general admission will open at 8:45 a.m. Enhanced security procedures have been implemented at Norfolk Scope. Upon entrance, all guests will be subject to physical and visual inspections, bag checks and/or wanding which will affect entrance times. Please plan accordingly.

Commencement normally lasts approximately 2 -3 hours. Following the ceremony, graduates return to Exhibition Hall for class photos and other activities. It is recommended that graduates do not schedule post-ceremony events with family and friends until after 1:30 p.m.

For friends and relatives that are unable to attend, the event will be streaming live at.

No tickets are needed.

General admission seating is available to all on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors for general admission will open at 8:45 a.m. Families and guests will not be allowed to enter the Norfolk Scope before that time. “Seat saving” will not be allowed.

Families with Graduates in the following programs should enter through Gates 1 & 14 (tentative):

Contemporary Human Anatomy

Laboratory Animal Science

Medical and Health Professions Education

Medicine

Pathologists' Assistant

Surgical Assisting

Families with Graduates in the following programs should enter through Gates 7 & 8 (tentative):

Art Therapy & Counseling

Reproductive Clinical Science

Biomedical Sciences (PhD, Research, Master's)

Biotechnology

Physician Assistant

Public Health

The primary parking for Norfolk Scope is the underground garage below the Scope. Additional parking is available at MacArthur Garage North and also in the Brambleton lot across St. Paul’s Blvd. from the Scope. Parking is a cash on entry for City of Norfolk parking locations (except the mall).

The Norfolk Scope is an accessible venue.

Parking: Disabled patron parking is available inside the underground Scope Garage (entrance on St. Paul’s Boulevard). Patrons should enter the Scope through the Exhibition Hall (glass-door) entrance, and take the elevator to the Plaza level.

Seating: Scope ushers will be on hand to direct guests to the access seating in the arena. Family members accompanying disabled guests should be able to sit together.

Wheelchair Escorts: Patrons with mobility impairments who do not have access to a wheelchair may request a wheelchair to transport the individual to their seat, free of charge. Please be aware that Scope personnel will not remain with you during the event, nor will they allow you to remain in the wheelchair for the duration of the event. Transport is not available from outside SevenVenues property.

Sign Interpretation: Sign language interpretation will be provided for guests seated on the risers closest to the arena floor in section 122.

Service Animals: Service animals or service animals in training are welcome. If you require space for your animal, please contact the ticket office at 757.664.6464.

Celebrate your graduate by purchasing EVMS branded items from the Matthew’s EVMS Bookstore, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to EVMS.

Merchandise can be purchased online or limited quantities will be available on-site the day of Commencement on the Concourse level.

Parents of small children will find family restrooms at Gates 3 and 11. Seating for nursing mothers is available in all women’s restrooms.

Class photos of graduates will be taken immediately following Commencement. All class photos will be available for free download two weeks after Commencement on the EVMS Flickr page.

All doctoral hoodings by family members must be individually approved by EVMS Student Affairs according to EVMS administration’s guidelines. Upon approval, you will be contacted with all necessary information about your role in the Commencement Ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact Jacklyn Banas BanasJB@evms.edu or 757.446.6176.